Fall is a beautiful time of year. The change of seasons always turns my mind to lifes propensity to thrive. But, particularly in the fall, I am conscious of progress and renewed enthusiasm.

The entire industry seems to have a renewed sense of purpose and drive. Traditionally, our states policymakers refocus; agents put their noses to the grindstone; and companies approach the last quarter of the year with new resolve. On a personal note, I am pleased to announce I am once again a grandfather. Aidan Jared was born last week and I couldnt be more proud! This is a great season of new beginnings and development.

Case in point: one of the first items on our industrys to-do lists is to effect improvements to the New York Workers Compensation Law " specifically, a law that took effect September 9, which requires non-New York employers to cover their employees working in our Empire State (see September 24 Insurance Advocate e-Newsletter). In the past, it was a normal and accepted practice that the New York Workers Compensation Board would accept an insureds policys Other States (item 3.C.) coverage for short stints of employment in New York. Now, out-of-state employees must be covered by their employer with a policy under item 3.A. of the Information Page. This has huge ramifications. Technically, an out-of-state employer that sends an employee to attend a seminar or conference in New York will be required to maintain a New York policy. Imagine how this will affect the states convention trade " think: Javitz Center in New York City!

My association, PIANY, discussed the effect of the changes on non-New York employers with the New York Workers Compensation Board (WCB) this month. The WCB announced it is reviewing this issue and I predict modifications to the law will have to take place.

Still on workers compensation and change: companies that have been building their books on workers comp. are in for a rude awaking in the wake of a 19 percent rate drop. This, at the same time rates are being cut for other lines by huge percentage points. Many carriers will face a new challenge and it will be interesting to see how they will make it up. Perhaps this will be a culling period that distinguishes the wheat from the chaff. Perhaps this is a harbinger of the end of the soft market for the companies. Ive got my fingers crossed, and I have faith in the ability of the market to rectify itself.

And, speaking of workers compensation rates: kudos to Superintendent of Insurance Eric Dinallo for his recently-announced plan to change New Yorks rate-making system. I have high hopes that the State Insurance Fund will start paying commissions. This may, of course, take legislative action, but its a worthy cause that Im hoping the agents associations will take up.

Even while the industry is showing progress, I see good things happening in Albany. After the long, hot summer, where cooperation stagnated over Troopergate, Im looking forward to seeing regulators and lawmakers working with the industry, together to improve our business for our clients.

New York is fortunate to have a new head of the Assembly Insurance Committee in New York, whom I had the opportunity to meet, and Im looking forward to working with him. Speaking for my association, I can say we are very happy that Joe Morelle has been appointed chair of the Insurance Committee. When I was president of PIANY, I saw, first-hand, his diligence in research and his dedication to consumer interests. I believe the logjam may be broken between the Assembly and the Senate; and we may finally see some good legislation passed in the near future. Joe Morelle has, and deserves, the respect of both houses. He seems focused on improving New Yorks insurance industry for consumers, and I believe he will be good for the industry.

N. Stephen Ruchman is president of Ruchman Associates Inc. in Rockville Centre, N.Y. and a past president of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. As an active supporter of PIANY, Ruchman also served as first vice president and vice president of the association. He also chaired PIANYs Convention and Membership committees. He is a member of PIANYs Government Affairs, Nominations and Membership Programs Committees. Ruchman also is chair of the Long Island Advisory Council. He is a member of PIANYs Political Action Committee where he serves on their Executive Committee.

In his community, Ruchman is past president of the Peninsula Counseling Center and a member and past president of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Additionally, he is on the business advisory board of The First National Bank of Long Island and past division chair for the Insurance Division of the United Jewish Appeal.